Big break boosts Comets’ Premier League push

The extended off-season may well become Southside Comets’ secret weapon in a push for the FNQ Premier League title.

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The extended off-season may well become Southside Comets’ secret weapon in a push for the FNQ Premier League title.

The FNQ Premier League will finally kick off in July 11 after a near four-month suspension due to coronavirus.

Clubs have returned to the training park in recent weeks, albeit under strict conditions, with a focus on player development, fitness, finishing and skills to tide them over until the whistle sounds next month.

While there is some concern a lack of contact training could leave some teams underdone and underprepared, the rejuvenated Comets are looking forward to a season in which they are expected to charge up the ladder.

The Comets finished last in 2019, though the predominantly young side showed enough improvement over the season to be a threat to the top teams.

A number of high-quality midfielders, including former Cairns FC player Nathan Paull and Zeca Soares, have returned to the Comets, as Dion Readman looks to steer the side back to the finals and, if fate has it, the Crad Evans Shield.

“I was pleasantly surprised, the guys had been doing their own stuff (during stage one restrictions) and we ended up with about 37 players in two groups last week,” he said.

“The addition of Nathan, Zeca and Barnesy (Matthew Barnes) will make a big difference to our side.”

Southside is preparing for a road trip to Mareeba to kick off their campaign on July 11.

Originally published as Big break boosts Comets’ Premier League push